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Brother of NFL Star Pat Tillman Charged in San Jose Post Office Arson
Richard Tillman pleaded guilty to intentionally setting fire to the Almaden Valley post office in 2025.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Richard Tillman, the younger brother of the late NFL player Pat Tillman, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of arson for a devastating fire last year that destroyed a San Jose post office. Prosecutors said Tillman purchased firelogs and lighter fluid, drove to the post office, spread the fluid, and then lit a match to ignite the blaze that caused extensive damage.
Why it matters
The case has drawn public attention due to Richard Tillman's relation to his famous brother Pat Tillman, who left the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army after 9/11 and was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. Richard Tillman has been publicly critical of the military and government's account of his brother's death, and the arson case suggests he may have been unraveling personally.
The details
According to authorities, Richard Tillman admitted in court to intentionally setting the July 2025 fire at the Almaden Valley post office 'to make a point to the U.S. government.' Prosecutors said Tillman purchased firelogs and lighter fluid, drove to the post office, backed his car up to the front door, spread the fluid throughout the vehicle, and then lit a match to ignite the blaze. The fire quickly spread, totally destroying the post office lobby. No injuries were reported, but the incident led to the temporary closure of the post office, with postal services relocated to a nearby location.
- The fire occurred in July 2025.
- Tillman was arrested at the scene of the arson.
- Tillman was charged in federal court by a grand jury in August 2025.
- Tillman pleaded guilty in federal court on February 10, 2026.
- Tillman will be sentenced by Judge Edward J. Davila on April 27, 2026.
The players
Richard Tillman
The younger brother of the late NFL player Pat Tillman, who has pleaded guilty to charges of arson for intentionally setting fire to a San Jose post office in 2025.
Pat Tillman
The late NFL player who left the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks, and was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California
The federal prosecutors who charged Richard Tillman with arson.
What they’re saying
“Richard Tillman admitted in court to intentionally setting the July fire at the Almaden Valley post office 'to make a point to the U.S. government.'”
— U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, Federal Prosecutors (sfchronicle.com)
What’s next
Tillman is in federal custody and will be sentenced by Judge Edward J. Davila on April 27, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum of 20 years, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000.
The takeaway
This case highlights the personal struggles and public criticisms of the U.S. government that Richard Tillman, the brother of the late NFL star Pat Tillman, has faced since his brother's death in Afghanistan. The arson attack on a post office suggests Tillman may have been unraveling, raising questions about mental health, the impact of losing a sibling, and the lingering effects of high-profile tragedies on families.
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